How do you troubleshoot?

[alevasseur14]

Another day, another panicky phone call from my mom. They've gotten some kind of malware on their computer - again. My parents aren't the best with computers so I've found it's usually just easier to log in remotely and take care of problems myself. Right now, I have them sign into Windows Live Messenger and send a remote assistance request. The problem with this is they have to be home and they can never remember how to do it.

So... what I'm wondering is what everyone here uses to log in remotely and fix computers. I really like the remote assistance feature because it allows me full control of the PC. However, I don't like it for the above mentioned reasons.

Basically, I'm looking for something free that I can set up once and then use to log in remotely, without my parents doing anything, whenever the need arises. I don't think this is too much to ask, is it?

Again, thanks in advance for all advice!

 

[TemjinGold]

Just out of curiosity, is it always just malware? If so, why not just get them a copy of Spysweeper or something?

 

[alevasseur14]

Yes, they've managed to never get a real nasty virus before. I haven't checked out Spysweeper for a few reasons. First, there's the cost factor. I just checked out the website and it's not all that expensive, I just have a problem paying for something I know I can do for free. Second, I'm not sure how well it works. I've just never used it before and don't want to waste the money when there are free options available. And the last one off the top of my head is that even if they were to get something like Spysweeper, they'd have no clue what to do with it.

Maybe I'm just resisting something new and it's really great. What do you think?

 

[TemjinGold]

I've used it and MS OneCare both. I like them both actually and they work pretty well (you can use both together, which catches more than either one alone.) The great thing about OneCare is that once a year or so, you can get a deal where it's $30 - $30 rebate (so free essentially.) MS is amazing with rebates and I usually get mine back like 2-3 weeks after I submit at the latest.

Both programs have it where you can schedule them to automatically scan and remove spyware on a regular basis (daily, weekly, whatever.) This way, you can just install it for them, set the schedule, and they won't have to do anything else ever again (their PC just needs to be on during the times you schedule and it will do everything automatically.)

Do keep in mind they are subscription based (meaning you need to buy a new key once a year.)

 

[boomerang]

logmein is what you want.

There is no one piece of software that is going to keep the computer cleaned up. You want to put an emphasis on prevention. Keep it from getting infected in the first place.

Check out the Security forum and look for posts from MechBgon. They should be using the computer under a limited account.

 

[bruceb]

For protection consider Malwarebytes .. a very good program and has real time protection for only $29 (a one time fee)
For a good antivirus, Kaspersky or NOD32 are good choices ... There are a couple of other good free ones also (can't recall)
You should also install SpywareBlaster and SpybotSD ... but these need to be updated defintions weekly and reimmunizations applied each week for best protection. And run a good Firewall.